Hail Thee, Festival Day (Christians, Lift Up Your Hearts). By Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958). Arranged by Valerie W. Stephenson. For handbells (3-6 octaves) (with optional organ, trumpet, 3-5 octave handchimes, congregation). Ascension, Eastertide, General, Pentecost. Level 3. Sheet Music. Published by Chorister's Guild (LO.CGB488).
Options abound in this flexible arrangement: it stands alone for handbell choir, but also offers optional parts for organ and/or trumpet. If desired, this setting may be used to accompany the choir/congregation in singing the hymn from your hymnal of choice. The repeats within the piece are designed to accommodate congregational singing, and a provision is made for additional repeats if more stanzas are desired. The repeats may be omitted when singers are not involved. Each stanza offers a new texture before returning to the joyful refrain.